NEW YORK – Playing his second extended spring training game while trying to work his way back from an elbow bone spur, Yankees right fielder Carlos Beltran went 2-for-4 with a walk Tuesday and could be back in the Yankees lineup as early as Friday.

"It's possible," manager Joe Girardi said. "I think it's fair just to see how he does these three or four days and then you make a decision, but I don't think that's out of the question."

Beltran has received two cortisone injections in the three weeks since he was pulled from a game May 12 due to unexpected soreness in his elbow.

Beltran expects eventually to have surgery to remove the bone spur but hopes to play through this season before having the operation.

On Tuesday he took all right-handed at-bats after taking all left-handed at-bats Monday.

"The reports were good," Girardi said.

New pitcher on the way: The Yankees have claimed left-hander Wade LeBlanc off waivers from the Angels. A team source said LeBlanc officially will join the Yankees on Wednesday and pitch out of the bullpen.

"With the way our bullpen is constructed, we have one left-hander," Girardi said. "It possibly gives you an option for two left-handers."

It also likely gives the Yankees a new long reliever. LeBlanc, 29, was pitching as a starter in Triple-A and could replace long man Alfredo Aceves, who's been erratic and allowed four runs in the ninth inning Monday.

Tanaka honored: In the first of what could be many American awards, Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka has been named the American League Pitcher of the Month for May.

He went 5-1 with a 1.88 ERA, one shutout, six walks and 42 strikeouts.

"Obviously I'm really honored and happy to be able to receive such an award," he said. "But basically the bottom line is, I'm not pitching or playing to get that award. I can't really be satisfied just because of this."

Sizemore up, Almonte down: Looking for some right-handed balance for their lineup, the Yankees called up infielder Scott Sizemore and optioned outfielder Zoilo Almonte on Tuesday. Sizemore was immediately put in the lineup at third base.

"I'm glad to get in there, and hopefully I can help the team out," Sizemore said.

This is Sizemore's second call-up of the year. The veteran second baseman and third baseman has good numbers against left-handers in his career, and the Yankees face a lot of left-handed starters in the next week. Almonte is a switch hitter but typically has struggled from the right side in his career.

Yankee clippings: Reliever Shawn Kelley remains on track to pitch a simulated game Wednesday. He's recovering from a lower back injury. … Catcher Francisco Cervelli caught five innings of an extended spring training game. He's recovering from a strained hamstring.